Solvent-assisted thermo-catalytic conversion of HDPE-PCR to waxes
Innovative conversion process transforming high-density polyethylene waste into valuable waxes using metal-halide catalysts. This method improves efficiency by lowering operational temperatures and reaction times, offering a sustainable solution for plastic waste recycling.
Overview
The proposed solution is a novel solvent-assisted thermo-catalytic process designed to convert high-density polyethylene (HDPE) post-consumer resin (PCR) into waxes and other valuable hydrocarbons. This method addresses the limitations of traditional catalytic processes that rely on precious metals by utilizing metal-halide catalysts, reducing both operational temperatures and reaction times. This approach not only promotes the sustainable recycling of plastic waste but also generates valuable by-products that can serve as solvent resources for further reactions.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes metal-halide catalysts such as NaCl, KCl, and MgCl2 to facilitate HDPE deconstruction.
- Operates at reduced temperatures (300-425°C) and shorter reaction times (1-4 hours).
- Employs a slurry of metal halide and high molecular weight wax to enhance mass transfer.
- Produces waxes with controlled molecular weight profiles and reduced polydispersity.
- Investigates recyclability of catalysts and by-products to enhance process sustainability.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 3, indicating that it has been demonstrated analytically and experimentally at a laboratory scale. Future validation plans include optimizing reaction conditions, performing techno-economic analysis, and exploring catalyst recyclability and by-product utilization.
About University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university—the flagship of the UT System—classified as R1 and serving more than 40,000 students. Industry engagement is anchored by the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm, where corporate R&D and joint university–national lab facilities sit just across the river from campus, including assets such as the Volkswagen Innovation Hub and an AT&T 5G testbed. UT’s long‑standing partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory—via UT‑Battelle and the UT–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute—gives companies streamlined access to national lab capabilities, talent, and joint programs. A statewide Extension network and established co‑op programs connect companies to faculty expertise and student talent across Tennessee and into federal labs. Research is supported by competitive federal sponsors such as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy. Commercialization is managed by the University of Tennessee Research Foundation, which handles IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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